Hi Everyone,
so i going to purchase a 08 tl type is with 124,000km on it and the dealer is to sure if the timing belt was done. Is there a way to check or should i just replace it to be safe?

Thanks,

 

the only way to be sure is to get it done yourself

 

check the serpentine belt and the condition of the spark plugs. Both will help guide you if the 105K service was done.

 

csmeance the car has 124KM, the 105K service is not due for some time yet. Maxwell, best thing to do is to show it to someone who knows what their looking for, you can tell by looking at a timing belt if its new or old, just gotta know what to look for.

 

can't check the timing belt unless you remove the timing covers. The serpentine belt is usually replaced with the TB/Waterpump along with the spark plugs.

 

It probably hasn't been done. There are still roughly 40,000 km before it is due to be changed. Your car will tell you when it's time to change it.

 

That doesn't mean anything. Dealerships are notorious for pushing the TB job on low mileage cars simply because of the age of the car.

 

Unfortunately, unless you have an actual service record, you can't know without getting in there and looking at the timing belt. Plugs and serpentine belt can be changed very easily, and even though that can give you a clue about the timing belt, you can't know for sure. My philosophy is that if you don't have a service record or at least a parts receipt (if purchasing from a DIYer/grease monkey), it wasn't done. That's the only way to prove that it was.

Try to include the cost of the service as part of your price negotiation. Or ask them to throw it in for free if you purchase the vehicle.

 

Not really. I replaced my drive belt and plugs a couple years ago. I'm at 105k right now and still haven't done the timing belt.

 

If you look at passenger side motor mount engine side. That mount bolts through the water pump. If you look at the mount to motor your will see top of the water pump. Look for color difference between the mount and top of the water pump. Old will have a matte looking finish like the mount, while a newer pump will be shiny or more vibrant in color.

 

I would get it done for a piece of mind, you you don't have to worry about it. When I buy a used car that use TB I always ask for documentation of the TB service.

 

Thanks guys! i will have it changed so i won't have to worry about it.